TriniView.com Staff Article
Event Date: July 28, 2006
Article Posted: August 04, 2006
The Awakening: The Middle Passage Redefined Volume II, a beauty pageant produced by the Ministry of Education, was held on Saturday, 29th July, 2006, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. This pageant was aimed not only at showcasing the physique of the seven delegates, but also to display the intellectual capacities of the contestants.
The night began with a drum call by Everald Watson and Company and the National Anthem by the Ministry of Education Steel Orchestra. Following this was a candlelight entry by the Andre Ettienne Dance Company accompanied by the voice of Aneka Audain's.
A dramatic presentation then ensued by the Masters of Ceremonies about the evolution of Negritude to Pan-Africanism to Black Consciousness with the concurrent theme: Man Know Thyself. This piece, although humorous, had a serious underlying theme which was meant as a tool to educate.
The introduction of the seven Queens representing seven of the Caribbean islands was next. They are as follows in order of appearance:
Country being represented
| Name of Representative | Section in the Ministry of Education being represented |
Jamaica
| Artee Seepersad | Examinations Section |
Cuba
| Simone Bobb | Examinations Section |
Barbados
| Philomena Duncan | Division of Educational Research and Evaluation |
Puerto Rico
| Ria Winchester | Finance and Accounts |
Guyana
| Cynaka Thomas | International Desk |
Trinidad and Tobago
| Melissa Julien | Southeast Port of Spain Government Secondary School |
Grenada
| Natoya Peters | Primary Section |
Also present were the Honourable judges to evaluate the contestants. They are: Chief Judge, Ms. Norma Clarke, Mr. Lester Rosseau, Dr. Jack Stanley Marcano and Mr. Signa Jack.
The next part of the occasion was marked with the expression of the talents of the contestants. Miss Jamaica, Artee Seepersad performed a dance routine; Miss Cuba, Simone Bobb also did a dance along with an artistic piece; Miss Barbados, Philomena Duncan performed a song and dance routine; Miss Puerto Rico, Ria Winchester performed a monologue; Miss Guyana, Cynaka Thomas performed a song in sign language; Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Melissa Julien did a monologue; and Miss Grenada, Natoya Peters also performed a monologue.
While the judges were deliberating on the results, the Vote of Thanks was given by Veronica Passé on behalf of the Ministry of Education Emancipation Committee.
The results of the show were next. The Best Talent Award went to Miss Grenada, Natoya Peters, the Best Gown to Miss Guyana and the Best Question and Answer to Miss Grenada.
All the Queens were made to feel like winners because none went home empty handed. The prizes were as follows: winners from 4th to 7th place received $500; the 3rd place winner received $1500; the 2nd place winner received $2500; and the 1st place winner received $3500.
In order of ascent: the 2nd runner up position went to Melissa Julien, Miss Trinidad and Tobago; the 1st runner up went to Miss Guyana, Cynaka Thomas; and the winner of the Miss EduVoice 2006 went to Miss Grenada, Natoya Peters.
The night was indeed an exciting one especially since the members of the audience expressed their comments, good or bad, without fear. The ambience of the Crown Plaza Hotel was lovely and was full with supporters of the contestants and the pageant production. Much work needs to be done, however, in terms of proper organization of the event. Tardiness, mispronunciation of names and ill-treatment of the media are unacceptable as members of the audience rightly pointed out.
Miss EduVOICE 2006 in pictures
Back to: Emancipation Celebrations 2006
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